£200k fraud trial held up over points of law

Tuesday 08 October 2019

The trial against an an ex-businesswoman accused of “cheating” people in developing countries out of thousands of pounds was unexpectedly halted yesterday to allow the Deputy Bailiff to consider certain points of law.

Lincolnshire-born Michelle Yuksel stands accused of nine counts of fraudulent conversion related to her second-hand clothing businesses - all of which she denies.

Yesterday marked the opening of the third week of the Royal Court case against her, involving allegations that she took “very large deposits” from customers to fulfil orders for batches of used clothes, before using the money to fund business or personal overheads and liabilities over a lengthy period.

In most cases, customers said they received no goods at all, while others received their goods after “very long delays coupled with excuses” and found the stock to be sub-standard.

Former customers and employees were called to give evidence as part of the case. 

The prosecution case concluded early yesterday morning and the jury expected to hear from Ms Yuksel's legal representative, Advocate Ian Jones, next.

But, as the defence was due to open its case, proceedings were unexpectedly halted.

The jury was sent out by the Deputy Bailiff, Tim Le Cocq. They returned after lunch, but were sent out once again, with the Deputy Bailiff explaining that he appreciated it had been a "frustrating" day's wait for the jury, but that he needed more time to consider "points of law."

He said that the trial would resume this morning.